9 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 cities in Dallas County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
No county noise ordinance — Texas counties lack authority to enact noise ordinances. Only TX Penal Code §42.01 applies: unreasonable noise is a Class C misdemeanor ($500 max). Noise presumed unreasonable at 85 dB after officer notice. Dallas County Sheriff enforces.
No state or county regulation on construction hours in unincorporated areas. Texas has no statewide construction-hours law and counties cannot enact noise ordinances. Only TX Penal Code §42.01 applies if noise rises to unreasonable levels. Essentially unregulated.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct - Unreasonable Noise)
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:(1) uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace;(2) makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the p...
No county barking dog ordinance. Only TX Penal Code §42.01 applies. Dallas County Health & Human Services provides animal control in unincorporated areas but has no specific barking threshold. Complaints handled case-by-case as potential nuisance.
No county or state regulation on leaf blower use in unincorporated Dallas County. Texas counties lack authority to enact noise ordinances. Only TX Penal Code Section 42.01 applies if noise is unreasonable. Leaf blowers are essentially unregulated.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2) — Disorderly Conduct (general noise standard)
A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives n...
Dallas County regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. TX Penal Code §42.01 applies.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2)
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... (c) For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the no...
Dallas County does not regulate aircraft noise from DFW International or Dallas Love Field — aircraft-in-flight noise is preempted by federal law (49 U.S.C. 40103 and FAA regulations). Complaints are handled by airport noise offices, and airport-adjacent land use is governed by Part 150 noise compatibility plans.
No county industrial noise ordinance. TCEQ 30 TAC Chapter 101 addresses general air quality complaints but does not set specific industrial noise limits. TX Penal Code Section 42.01 applies to unreasonable noise. OSHA regulates workplace exposure only.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2) — Disorderly Conduct (state unreasonable-noise standard)
A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives n...
No county decibel ordinance. TX Penal Code Section 42.01 presumes noise unreasonable above 85 dB after officer notice. No zoned decibel standards, no measurement protocols, and no county noise monitoring program.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2) — Disorderly Conduct (unreasonable noise; 85 dB presumption)
A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after ...
No county outdoor music regulations. No permit requirements, no time restrictions, no decibel limits. Only TX Penal Code Section 42.01 applies if noise is unreasonable. Deed restrictions or HOA rules may impose private limits.
Tex. Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5), (c)(2) — Disorderly Conduct (unreasonable noise)
A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives n...
9 cities in Dallas County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
5 verified rules • Amplified Music & Events, Barking Dogs
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